🎄 NEW EPISODE! For the Record
Police Budget Drama, Parking Battles, Flashlights at City Hall & a 30% Tax Increase?
This week’s For the Record features a festive pre-Christmas theme – but the topics are anything but quiet.
🚔 1. Police Budget Passes 5–1: A Closer Look
The episode opens with a detailed breakdown of the 2025 NW Police Department budget vote. The budget passed 5–1, but had Councillors Fontaine and Minhas voted no, the result would have been a 3–3 tie – meaning the police budget would have failed, as Councillor Ruby Campbell was not present.
The podcast shares:
- 🎙️ Coun. Nakagawa’s remarks, after she voted against the budget
- 🎙️ Mayor Johnstone’s comments claiming he has always supported police budgets
- 👮 The Chief of Police’s concerns about a decade of underfunding
With policing as the largest line item in the city budget, the discussion raises important questions about priorities and public safety.
🚗 2. “Zach Is Back”: Parking Chaos on 13th Street
Listeners hear a compelling five-minute presentation from Danielle and Zach, landlords who renovated their apartment building at 13th Street and 7th Avenue.
They request more time to meet the city’s compliance deadlines and highlight the severe impact of losing up to 50% of on-street parking, which would directly affect their tenants.
Both councillors note that Fontaine, Minhas, Campbell, and the Mayor visited the building to see conditions firsthand. The saga continues – and the podcast is following closely.
🔦 3. Queen’s Park Consultation… Bring a Flashlight?
What do a flashlight, winter coat, and umbrella have in common?
According to Gail North, President of the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association – they might have been needed at a recent city consultation event.
Held outdoors on the porch of Irving House between 3–5 PM, the session grew darker by the minute as the sun set at 4:19 PM. Space was limited, some residents stood outside, and the setup left many puzzled.
Fontaine has requested clarity from staff on whether porch consultations are considered “standard practice.”
💸 4. Operating Budget = 5.6% Tax Increase (and Nearly 30% in Four Years)
The city’s operating budget now comes in at:
- 4.6% base increase, plus
- 1% capital levy
Total: 5.6% increase for 2025, bringing New Westminster to nearly 30% in cumulative tax increases over four years – likely the highest in Metro Vancouver during this term of council.
The discussion highlights affordability concerns for residents, seniors, families, and businesses.
🕰️ 5. Déjà Vu: Century House Hours Return… Again
Coun. Ruby Campbell is now proposing the reopening of Century House on Sundays – raising questions about:
- Who cut Sunday hours originally?
- Why have they not been restored until now?
- How does this relate to Fontaine’s earlier motion calling for a similar review back in 2023?
As the councillors note: It’s déjà vu all over again.
❄️ 6. ACORN Presents on Air Conditioner Access
ACORN advocates for a program enabling low-income residents to install air conditioners.
Fontaine reminds listeners that he previously proposed a $500 AC grant through the Electrical Utility – a low-barrier idea that was rejected after referral.
🎄 7. Around Town: Community Spirit on Full Display
This week’s “around town” segment features highlights from:
- The Sapperton Pensioners Hall Christmas Party
- The West End Residents Association meeting
- A business association gathering in Sapperton
- The Hyack Annual Christmas Event
- The launch of the new Freshet Newspaper, now printing citywide
🔟 8. Top 10 New West Stories Preview & Holiday Break
The popular “Top 10 New West Stories” vodcast is coming soon, and listeners are invited to help shape the list.
The podcast will take a short Christmas break after December 19, returning in early January.
🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
📢 If you enjoy the show, please share this episode with neighbours, friends, and family. Community engagement matters more than ever.
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